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Tennessee's Tyler Smith answers a question during a press conference.
Tennessee forward Tyler Smith has declared himself eligible for the 2009 NBA draft.
Smith, a 6-foot-7, 210-pound All-SEC junior, said he will not hire an agent, meaning he could still elect to return for his senior season.
“It’s a situation where you want to know you’re fine and things will be stable,’’ said Smith, who’s projected to play small forward at the professional level. “You don’t want to worry if you are going to make it.
“Right now, I’m not in the position I want to be in. I want to be in a position where I’m all in, whether that’s playing in the NBA or coming back.’’
Smith has kept himself in good academic standing and will continue to attend the team’s spring conditioning workouts.
He has until June 15 to make a final decision on whether he’ll enter the draft, which will be June 25.
Smith’s said his responsibilities to his family weigh heavily into his decision.
His son, Amare, turns 3 years old, four days after the draft.
Smith’s mother was widowed when his father died of lung cancer in September of 2007.
According to DraftExpress.com, Smith is projected to be taken with the 42nd overall pick in this year’s draft — 12th in the second round.
Only first-round selections — top 30 overall — receive guaranteed money.
Not making the NBA likely means playing basketball in Europe, and Smith has said he’s not sure if that would be best for his family at this point in his career.
“This is not just all about me, because I’m making a decision for my whole family,’’ he said. “Last year, everyone wanted to come out who were underclassmen. This year, it’s everyone coming out that’s at my position.’’
The NBADraft.net site lists 16 small forwards in its mock 2009 draft, including first-round projected picks Earl Clark (Louisville), Sam Young (Pitt), Terrence Williams (Louisville), Damian James (Texas) and DaJuan Summers (Georgetown).
Smith is projected to be the No. 26 overall pick in next year’s draft and the sixth small forward selected.
The past three years the NBA held a week-long competition pre-draft camp in Orlando, Fla., prior to the draft.
That camp is no longer available. Instead, there will be a combine-like pre-draft camp in Chicago on May 27-31.
“I’ll probably just do the workouts (with teams), and there’s a workout in Chicago in late May right before the draft,’’ Smith said, indicating he may be ready to make a final decision soon thereafter.
Smith was disappointed with himself and where the team ended up this past season, and immediately expressed the desire to return to UT.
Vols coach Bruce Pearl, however, has encouraged him to test the waters throughout the offseason.
Pearl said he believes if Smith impresses scouts enough and can get the guaranteed first-round money, it’s best for his family for him to go.
If not, Smith returns to UT knowing exactly what he must do to be a first-round pick after his senior season.
“I wanted to be a leader, but I wasn’t the leader I wanted to be,’’ Smith said of last season. “I was trying to lead the team without letting them help me. At first, I had it in my head I had to do it all.
“I needed to let the game come to me, and I didn’t do that until the end of the year. I didn’t realize it soon enough; there are too many great players around me for that to happen.’’
The various draft projection analysis give Smith high marks for his versatility and athleticism, but point to consistency, ball-handling and an outside shot as concerns with his game.
Smith doesn’t take issue with the evaluations.
“I can do a lot of things, but there’s no one thing I’m perfect at,’’ Smith said. “I want to tone up my game, period. I want to be more consistent across the board.’’
Smith said he feels a responsibility to his family to turn pro if the guaranteed money is there.
If not, Smith is confident both he and UT will be in a better position to succeed than last season, when the Vols brought five new players into their nine-men rotation and struggled to shoot from the perimeter.
“It’s crazy right now,’’ Smith said. “I just want to do what’s best for my family.’’
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Tennessee Lady Vols 82, Auburn Tigers 64
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 105
thevoice writes:
First... to say that he needs one more year.
BigOrangeJeff writes:
Good luck, Tyler.
mtownvol writes:
No surprise here. He's got to test the waters! Good luck, Tyler!
vols_fan_n_tx writes:
He's not ready. Needs a more consistent jump shot, ability to score with back to the basket, and improved rebounding.
golfballs03 writes:
This is the right move
volsrenee#419137 writes:
I would like to see Tyler stay, especially if he has a good cast around him. He shined 2 years ago with Lofton and Smith. I think he takes too much pressure on himself when his is the "star." But I also understand the need to provide for his family too. I wish him the best!!!!
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
Wow, great article Griff! Thanks for filling us in on something we already knew. Does the kns pay you for one sentence these days?
Anyway good luck Tyler. I still think we may see you in TBA next year.
LEXKYVOLS writes:
If Jodie Meeks can't make it, Tyler has no chance. Welcome back Tyler for another great year.
volsfan90 writes:
Well Tyler is good in any kind of waters... there are probably quite a few NBA teams lookin for someone who can do the catfish move in the paint! lol I'm only kidding.. Tyler is a good player and a better person.. good luck my friend!
OrangeMan_86 writes:
I was right about ESPN being wrong. I said I wouldn't believe he declared until GVS or Tennessean etc reported it. He isn't hiring an agent like ESPN claimed either.
golfballs03 writes:
He's a pretty good rebounder - even though his numbers were down this year, that was a reflection of the offense they ran.
I hope that he impresses and can sneak into the first round. If that doesn't happen, I think it might even be a good idea to go to Europe and play for a year. It's a shame that we don't have a starting center so that Tyler can get more time playing as the 3 man. He's got to improve his outside shot. Slaving away in the paint for another year isn't going to help him much.
tennesseeike writes:
I will let the pro scouts evaluate his abilities. I have been proud of Tyler at UT. He has done ther right things and made both himself and his team better. The strong upside of him at UT is the fact he has been a team player and kept himself out of trouble.
I just want whatever is best for this young man.I can live with the outcome.
Tyler if you stay I hope you have a great year and If you turn pro I hope you have the best of everything...
OrangeMan_86 writes:
"It's a shame that we don't have a starting center so that Tyler can get more time playing as the 3 man."
Brian Williams and Wayne Chism both started at center last year. I think he plays the 4 more so JP and Hopson can both also be on the floor.
golfballs03 writes:
not offense, i mean line-up
golfballs03 writes:
I mean a legit center, so Chism can move to 4 and Tyler to 3. But it's all about having the best talent on the floor. That meant playing Chism at 5 and Tyler at 4
campbo73 writes:
I wish him the best. I think the team will get better when he is gone. Because the other players will have to take responsibitly instead of just looking for Tyler.
HtownVol writes:
So, are we able to sign a 3rd player in this class now? That would be great if we can pick up a terrific "shooter"
wagee12 writes:
TarHeelsRule writes:
Can't blame you my man. It's obvious your years under Pearl have not made you a better player.
Yeah, you're probably right, he would have been a lottery pick if we still had the ex-Tarheel as head coach, right! Take your smug, monkey arse back to wherever you came from.
OrangeMan_86 writes:
Not going to be an issue any more if Tyler leaves. If he comes back, I think Wayne Chism should come off the bench as the 6th man. Brian Williams was the best at center, Tyler and JP are the only ones that can create their own shot and Hospon and Tatum are the only ones that can shoot. Just my opinion and obviously Hopson should start over Tatum.
C Williams/Jurick
PF Chism/Negedu/Hall
SF Prince/Woolridge
SG Hopson/Tatum
PG Maze/Tabb/Goins
Looks good to me although I'd prefer Tyler back and then Hall could for sure be red shirt. I put Goins as the third point guard just because I don't know what he is capable of. I'm sure he is capable of being number two, maybe even number one. Tabb could then be the number three point guard and number three shooting guard which means he'd still get some playing time. Sorry, sorry, excited for next season. Following next season the roster will look like this at the moment.
C Brian Williams/Philip Jurick
golfballs03 writes:
He is a decent rebounder. But believe me, the main thing holding him back is his outside shooting. The guy proved that he is versatile and can pick up and move programs without missing a step. That's why I think he could prove more playing next year in Europe as opposed to continuing to be a 4 guy at Tennessee. Look at Sam Young, the switch out to SF is what has salvaged his draft stock. It proved to the scouts that he can play outside and is really good at it. That is a serious catching point for Tyler.
golfballs03 writes:
That tandem at C is worrisome. I expect Williams to continue to get better, but with the kind of talent around him, i think it's hard to justify him as a starter. I hope he proves me wrong. I would love to see a solid big man in the paint for us.
golfballs03 writes:
i hope you're not serious
murrayvol writes:
Good grief!
shoalcreekvol writes:
He may or may not be ready but I think most all of us would advise our son to test the waters in this situation. Nothing to lose, everything to gain as long as he stays away from agents. Keep in mind that Tyler has a widowed mom and a child to think about.
Good luck Tyler. Nothing against you, but I hope you find out that you should come back for another year. We'd love to have you back.
oldvolsfan writes:
go get back in your cave you dummy you are not even a good tarheel they are a lot smarter than you cave men
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
He's also getting "old" for NBA standards - if he's anywhere near late first round, he's gone (IMO)
thesharc#228787 writes:
Yeah, I don't see Tyler being drafted high in a mediocre class where second round picks will be lucky to make the NBS rosters.
Tyler's not going to get more experience for the role/position he plays if he's at UT another year. He'd be better off in Europe.
As a fan, I don't see how getting him back another year will hurt anything, either. I just don't want to see him fizzle out.
shoalcreekvol writes:
6'11" Jurich will be playing this year (he redshirted last year).
That should help keep Tyler out of the paint some of the time to allow him to develop his outside game a little further.
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
Shut up and go home!! It's obvious that Tyler Hasbeen is the SINGLE most overrated player in America - nuthin' but a whiny A-- mama's boy!!
golfballs03 writes:
A third rounder?
halloffamebowler writes:
get real.
give_him_6 writes:
I hope Tyler makes the right move for him and his family. Nothing wrong with testing the waters. I think he's a mid to late 2nd rounder. Another year of work and development and he could go in the lottery. But then again I'm biased, of course. Good luck Tyler!
Go Vols
WestTennVol writes:
This is kind of a toss up. Early in the year he couldn't buy a three point shot, but then late in conference play he looked pretty consistent from outside, he's overall season percentage was low, but again, he started off TERRIBLE from three. Wonder what his percentage was the last 10-12 games? If he could improve that jumper likewise again this year then he should stay, if not, then please go for the money Tyler and take care of your family.
WestTennVol writes:
I think this is a spot on prediction, lottery is definately biased though, haha, but we can always hope!
OrangeMan_86 writes:
I messed up my post haha. I meant following next season the roster would look like this at the moment:
C Williams/Jurick
PF Negedu/Hall
SF Hopson/Woolridge
SG Tatum/McRae
PG Selby/Goins/Craft
Not bad. That is if Hopson doesn't light it up next season to the point of being able to go pro.
GreerVol22 writes:
better for him if he stays.... but, we have to win half as many more games than we lost for him to be in a better spot this time next year.
kbart4033#247331 writes:
Scouting report on Tyler Smith: solid player / good man / outstanding father. He will make best decision!
DC_Vol writes:
I have looked at several 2009 NBA Draft projections and every single one has Tyler Smith going somewhere early or in the middle of the second round. Clearly, from all the information out there he is not going to end up in the first round. I doubt much will change after he attends these NBA camps. Next year appears to be the year for him to enter the NBA draft.
Further, he would be foolish to committ this year, with one year of NCAA eligibility remaining, without being completely certain he is a first round draft pick. I believe if he signs and misses the three year deal for a first round pick he and his "Family" will regret this for the rest of their lives. If he is a second round pick he receives nothing and loses his last year of eligibility. Therefore, I believe he will be back for his senior year despite all this false publicity to the contrary.
Colliervol writes:
You really don't have a clue do you? Unless you can bring something intelligent to the table, try not to speak. You'll just embarrass yourself.
golfballs03 writes:
I posted this on the other article:
Ok wait a second... this year is a weak draft class and Tyler is most likely an early-second round pick. But next year he is automatically a 1st rounder??? I think that is bogus. The only way I see that happening is if he has a year like Sam Young at Pitt. If he were 19, Young would be a lottery pick, but at 24 he is a late 1st rounder (and that is in a weak class). But what has helped him tremendously is his move to SF. This year he played more from the perimeter and put up fantastic numbers. He proved to scouts that he can play that position in the league. If the same thing can happen to Tyler then I see him as a late 1st rounder next year. But most likely he will be back in the 2nd round and will have essentially wasted a year. I would love to see him come back, but that might not be what's best for him.
doubledeuce22Q writes:
Does anybody know the name of the song that was at the beginning of the basketball intro video this year. It was the first one with what sounded like trumpets playing and then it broke out into some bass beats? Any input will be much appreciated. Thanks.
Colliervol writes:
Can't blame Tyler for testing the water. He has been an asset to the program and a solid citizen and deserves the shot. Not sure he can play small forward in the pros due to lack of an outside shot but, hey, give it a try. Maybe he can make it with the right team and the right system as a role player. And I doubt seriously he can improve his outside shooting enough next season to improve his position so second round might be as good as it gets for him.
In addition, he does his best work with his back to the basket and he can't do that in the pros. They have 6-9 and 6-10 small forwards in the pros. (Kevin Durant, Rashard Lewis, etc). Even the shorter ones are guys like Rudy Gay and Paul Pierce who have every move in the book and an outside shot. Heck, Dirk Nowitski plays like a small forward at 7-0. Somehow, I don't see Tyler backing those guys down, do you?
P.S.- And I agree with those of you that said his emphasis on trying to develop and force outside shots hurt us at times last season.
Pullingguard writes:
Come on mind reader... No one knew for sure, but everyone speculated this...So Griff only confirmed what everyone was thinking would happen.. Yep, thats what KNS pays him to do. Now for the final thought, Tyler will be back in a Vol uniform next season.
rusty_shackleford writes:
I live in NC and Tar Heel fans were smug even when Matt Doherty was ruining their program and Duke was eating their lunch.
Volsfanstuckintx writes:
I'm confused, you said Wayne should come off the bench and be the sixth man. However in your projections you have him as the starting PF. There is no way Wayne should not be starting on this team period. Last year when he was on top of his game we won, plain and simple.
MattMoore writes:
I love Tyler and wish him the best but there is no way he should stay in the draft unless of course he has an extraordinary workout.. he needs to work on not taking so many ridiculous shots sometimes and consistently finish around the rim... also needs to keep working on that out side stroke.. I've always thought he should work on perfecting a 15ft jumper and in type of game because that's what would be best for him I think...
MillisaAnn writes:
I really think Tyler should stay in school.
Ironcity writes:
What? Smith pretty much played the three for UT on offense most of the year. Inf act our offense almost doesn't have a true four man. I would have liked to see him down low more.
Smith is a good man that has a tough decision. Which ever decision he makes, I will support him and wish him well.
One other thing, Tyler really cares about this team and its obvious he took some of the losses and criticism personal. I think Tyler is a leader but is just now learning what it takes to be a great leader.
txvolsfan writes:
I think that is what the article just said!!!
golfballs03 writes:
what???
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